The primary focus of the Travel & Words conferences is to build productive connections between travel journalists and destination marketers. This takes the form of scheduled one-on-one meetings as well as plenty of casual networking opportunities. In addition, the program includes presentations by tourism experts, workshops, a guided tour and hosted evening receptions.
Monday, Sept. 28, Event Center
Check in 3 – 6 p.m.
Conference check-in at registration table, Event Center lobby.
Dinner 6 – 8:30 p.m.
Welcome reception and dinner, hosted by Skagit Valley Tourism
Tuesday, Sept. 29, Event Center
Breakfast 7 -8 a.m.
Hosted by Premier Media Group
Welcome 8 – 8:30 a.m.
Welcome & opening comments
Keynote Presentation 8:30 – 9:30 a.m.
Keynote Presentation: “The Future of Travel: Transformative for People, Regenerative for Place, Viable for Destinations,” Jake Haupert
Break 9:30 – 10 a.m.
Hosted by Premier Media Group
Meetups 10:30 a.m. – noon
DMO-Journalist Meetups
Lunch noon – 1 p.m.
Hosted by Premier Media Group
Media Workshop 1 – 2 p.m.
“Travel Photography Best Practices,” by Levi Clark
DMO Workshop 1 – 2 p.m.
“Designing Transformational Experiences,” by Jake Haupert
Break 2 – 2:30 p.m.
Hosted by Premier Media Group
Meetups 2:30 – 4:30 p.m.
DMO-Journalist Meetups
Wrap Up 4:30 – 5 p.m.
Wrap up and closing comments
Dinner 5:30 p.m.
Meet in hotel lobby for transportation to the evening excursion and dinner, hosted by Skagit Valley Tourism.
Wednesday, Sept. 30, Event Center
Breakfast 7 – 8 a.m.
Hosted by Premier Media Group
Welcome 8 – 8:30 a.m.
Welcome and opening comments
Meetups 8:30 – 10:30 a.m.
DMO-Journalist Meetups
Break 10:30 – 11 a.m.
Hosted by Premier Media Group
Meetups 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
DMO-Journalist Meetups
Closing 12:30 – 1 p.m.
Closing Comments, Adjourn